New Consultation on the Control of Asbestos Regulations Launches

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12 November 2025

The Health and Safety Executive is seeking views on new proposals to improve the application of the Control of Asbestos Regulations and guidance around asbestos management 

The consultation contains regulatory and non-regulatory proposals to improve asbestos regulations and enhance worker and public protection from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is still present in an estimated 500,000 UK workplaces and 2 million homes built before 2000. There are over 5,000 deaths every year in the UK from asbestos-related diseases and around 20 tradespeople die each week from past exposure. 

The regulatory part of the proposal concerns ensuring the independence and impartiality of roles in the four-stage asbestos clearance process, a procedure that ensures a site has been cleared of asbestos in accordance with regulations. 

The non-regulatory areas in the consultation involve improving the standard of asbestos surveys, ensuring dutyholders understand the role of an asbestos survey in managing asbestos risk and have the knowledge to commission surveys from a competent asbestos surveyor.

It also proposes to improve guidance to clarify what constitutes “Notifiable Non-Licensed Work” (NNLW) when it comes to working with asbestos.

Rick Brunt, Director of Engagement and Policy at HSE, said: “Asbestos continues to be a significant risk to workers in Great Britain. While we have made significant progress in managing asbestos risks, these proposals represent an important step towards further strengthening protections for workers and the public.

“We want to hear from all stakeholders involved in the asbestos regulatory system to ensure our approach is both effective and proportionate, supporting HSE’s commitment to protecting people and places whilst enabling innovation and economic growth.

The consultation runs until 9 January 2026.

Picture: a photograph showing a yellow asbestos warning sign. Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 12 November 2025

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